1 Topic by poppinfresh (edited by poppinfresh 2016-01-27 14:38:04)

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Topic: Using two different filament TYPES on a dual extruder

I'm trying to print with PETG filament but encountering all kinds of issues.

Biggest problem now is that the support structures bond to the object so hard that it pretty much ruins the object trying to remove them.

Could I print my main object with Tool 0 using PETG and the Support Structures with PLA on Tool 1 ?

2 Reply by jagowilson (edited by jagowilson 2016-01-27 16:41:19)

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Re: Using two different filament TYPES on a dual extruder

Yes. Here is what I sent you via PM. Figured I'd share for the community:

jagowilson wrote:

You need to either increase the distance between the support and object (S3D can do this) or, the best option is to design in your own supports. PETG works well with self-designed supports because even thin-walled objects are very strong. What can also help is reducing the extrusion width of the supports, although S3D doesn't support this while Slic3r does.

Best option is to design in your own supports. If that can't be done, increase the distance between the support and object. If that doesn't work, consider upgrading to dual extrusion to use ABS for supports. PETG is tough stuff, and supports will always be nasty because of that. PLA has similar problems. ABS has spoiled us into thinking supports *always* work well wink

You won't want to use PLA for supports. Use ABS or HIPS. The nice thing about ABS and PETG together is they don't bond together well, so the supports will come off easily--possibly too easily, so keep an eye on it. The trouble with PLA is that it's not as "soft" as ABS, making the supports extremely rigid. In extreme cases, I've had chunks of PLA fly into my eyes when removing PLA supports, because the stuff is so brittle it just shatters like glass.

3 Reply by poppinfresh (edited by poppinfresh 2016-01-27 17:22:05)

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Re: Using two different filament TYPES on a dual extruder

Thanks.
I didn't know how to get a hold of you otherwise.

I do indeed have a dual extruder.

So from your post, trying to use PETG for the object AND supports is just not a good idea.  That seems to be exactly what I encountered.

I've temporarily gone back to PLA and removed all PETG from my printer until I can figure out how to use the stuff.
I needed to get some actual printing doen  :-)
A shame since I bought hundreds of dollars worth of PETG in a variety of colors.

4 Reply by jagowilson (edited by jagowilson 2016-01-27 18:10:37)

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Re: Using two different filament TYPES on a dual extruder

It's no big deal man. Design in your own supports if it's a part you made yourself. It's much faster to print and much cleaner to remove. if it's not your part, PETG + ABS will work best for support printing. The trick to designing your own supports is be as thin as possible and separate the support from the main part by 1 or 2 layers and 1 or 2 extrusion widths. If done right most self-made supports will come off as you remove the part from the bed.

The good news is PETG is fairly resistant to moisture. You should still store it with damp rid or some other dessicant, but its shelf life is much longer than ABS in my experience. So no worries about sitting on it for a while.

5 Reply by poppinfresh (edited by poppinfresh 2016-01-27 18:58:35)

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Re: Using two different filament TYPES on a dual extruder

Thanks again bro.
Only problem is, I have all this PLA and PETG.

Ok, maybe I'll just buy one spool of ABS for support material.

I print a lot with PLA and haven't had any trouble with shattering supports.   I do agree they are more brittle tho.
I might give it a try just to see.

Maybe the PLA I'm using is better than the PLA you used?  Who knows?

6 Reply by carl_m1968

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Re: Using two different filament TYPES on a dual extruder

poppinfresh wrote:

Thanks again bro.
Only problem is, I have all this PLA and PETG.

Ok, maybe I'll just buy one spool of ABS for support material.


You can still use the PETG, just design your own supports into the print.. It's no hard, just needs to be thin columns are similar structures. I use PETG and PET+ all the time and almost exclusively now. But I also have a CT'c dual extruder that seems to be better made for this type of filament.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
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Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

7 Reply by poppinfresh (edited by poppinfresh 2016-01-27 19:01:19)

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Re: Using two different filament TYPES on a dual extruder

carl_m1968 wrote:
poppinfresh wrote:

Thanks again bro.
Only problem is, I have all this PLA and PETG.

Ok, maybe I'll just buy one spool of ABS for support material.


You can still use the PETG, just design your own supports into the print.. It's no hard, just needs to be thin columns are similar structures. I use PETG and PET+ all the time and almost exclusively now. But I also have a CT'c dual extruder that seems to be better made for this type of filament.

I think so.  I may have to upgrade my extruders to MK10's before I try PETG again on THIS machine.
It's basically a Flash Forge Creator X Clone.

It actually does ok now AS LONG AS I dont have any supports that are added by Simplify 3D.